Ranks of the Fidelis Tribe
Tier I - The Sovereign
Rex & Regent
The titles of Rex and Regent are interchangeable and not gender specific. There can be a total of two maximum at any time and they may or may not be a mated pair. The Rex and/or Regent are the leaders of the Tribe, holding the most authority above all others. They oversee all Tribe affairs and see to it that the Fidelis are managing well. Some of their duties include calling meetings, strategizing, and promoting other ranks. They may also participate in and lead most traditions and rituals. The Rex and/or Regent are the only other individuals with a spiritual connection to the Celestials aside from the Shaman. It's usually customary to refer to them by honorifics and title if speaking formally.
Their word is seen as law, though they rely heavily on those within the upper ranks to back them up. Nearly all decisions regarding the Tribe must pass through the Rex and/or Regent. The jobs and risks are plenty for this rank. Not only do they need to ensure the well being of the Tribe, but also maintain a delicate balance of firmness and understanding. Whenever it is time for a Rex and/or Regent to retire, it is often their Ambassador who will be promoted to the rank if capable. While it's not commonly heard of within the calm Fidelis Tribe, this rank may be challenged for. This only occurs very rarely and the Rex and/or Regent are allowed to refuse.
Their word is seen as law, though they rely heavily on those within the upper ranks to back them up. Nearly all decisions regarding the Tribe must pass through the Rex and/or Regent. The jobs and risks are plenty for this rank. Not only do they need to ensure the well being of the Tribe, but also maintain a delicate balance of firmness and understanding. Whenever it is time for a Rex and/or Regent to retire, it is often their Ambassador who will be promoted to the rank if capable. While it's not commonly heard of within the calm Fidelis Tribe, this rank may be challenged for. This only occurs very rarely and the Rex and/or Regent are allowed to refuse.
Ambassador
This rank serves directly below the Rex and/or Regent and acts as their second-in-command. They hold nearly just as much authority as their superior. Most matters pass through them as well, especially those the Rex and/or Regent are too busy to tend to. It is often the Ambassador who sees to most diplomatic affairs within the Tribe. They are tasked with keeping peace and managing tempers when conflicts arise. It is a highly respected rank that none dare to disobey or challenge the authority of. It's customary to address them formally by honorifics. The Ambassador and Rex and/or Regent must have a high amount of trust between the pair in order for the Tribe to function well. There may only be one Ambassador at a time.
Sergeant
Though the Sergeant rests just below the Ambassador in terms of authority, they are to be respected. It is the Sergeant who deals with most matters pertaining to those within the Auxiliary tier. They oversee the workings of the Sentinels, Warriors, and Trainees as well. It is usually the Sergeant who is in charge of forming patrols, hunting parties, and related matters within the Fidelis Tribe. The priming of Trainees is also an important task they must delegate. They are in charge of pairing up Trainees with a satisfactory mentor for teaching. If addressed formally, it is custom to address them with respect and honorifics. There can only be one Sergeant at a time.
Shaman
The Shaman is an important rank for the Fidelis Tribe, perhaps on par with the Rex and/or Regent. While their rank appears less stressful than that of the leaders, this is not the case. Not only are the Shaman in charge of overseeing the health of the tribe, but they are the spiritual link to the Celestials. They're also in charge of the Clerics, teaching, guiding, and ensuring their work. All Trainees striving to become a Cleric also fall under their watch. This is the only rank within the Tribe aside from the Rex and/or Regent who can directly speak to the Tribe's ancestors. By using various methods and rituals, they can read signs the Celestials leave, as well as find omens and prophecies. Many traditions and rituals also fall on their shoulders.
It is not a rank one is simply promoted to. Becoming a Shaman has a strict set of guidelines; there is also a specific dream from the Celestials that is seen as a right-of-passage. One who does not have this dream can never become a Shaman. At some time they'll take on a spiritual underling who has received this dream in order to become their successor. A Shaman never retires; they will hold the position until death calls them. There may only be one Shaman at a time.
It is not a rank one is simply promoted to. Becoming a Shaman has a strict set of guidelines; there is also a specific dream from the Celestials that is seen as a right-of-passage. One who does not have this dream can never become a Shaman. At some time they'll take on a spiritual underling who has received this dream in order to become their successor. A Shaman never retires; they will hold the position until death calls them. There may only be one Shaman at a time.
Tier II - The Auxiliary
Clerics
Clerics are skilled healers whose efforts are focused on treating the Tribe-members. They work directly with the Shaman, often being guided and taught various things in the trade. They may not be on the front lines when it comes to fighting, guarding, or even hunting, but their presence is highly important. Aside from keeping up with their normal rank duties, they are also in charge of sharing the responsibility of mentoring Trainees wishing to join their ranks. Unlike the Shaman, they do not have any spiritual connections to the Celestials. There may be any number of Clerics in the Tribe.
Sentinel
There is no limited to how many Sentinels the Tribe may have at one time. They are the sentries, scouting the lands and sharing the duties of hunting with the Warriors. The Sentinels take direct orders from the Sergeant who will often delegate tasks for them. Most duties require them to be nimble; as such, the majority within this rank have very lean, slim builds with defined shoulders and legs. Though they are not particularly skilled at combat, it's still important for them to have the ability to fight if the need arises. They're also trained to have a good sense of tracking, and are often the ones chosen to carry messages. Usually Sentinels will be the ones tasked with sitting at certain points to keep a close eye over the Tribe, particularly at the camp entrance.
Warriors
The Tribe's Warriors are the ones on the front lines in battle. Their combative prowess, knowledge, and skill is unmatched. Becoming a successful Warrior requires a lot of dutiful training and lessons. They must always be battle-ready simply due to the dangerous nature of the surrounding world. It's truly one of the more selfless ranks for all the hazards and dangers they must face. It's definitely not a rank for the faint of heart. Due to the need to be fit for battle, most Warriors are larger in size with bulkier builds and muscle mass. They follow direct orders from their superiors, but the majority of the time they are guided by the Sergeant. There is no limit to the number of Warriors the Tribe may have.
Trainees
Those within the Tribe who have yet to find their place. The Trainees are those who are six months of age or older. They have lessons and trainings from those in their desired future rank. Usually they'll have a single mentor-like figure who gives them one-on-one attention. It's not uncommon, however, for them to have multiple teachers throughout their time in training. It's their sole duty to learn all they can and grow to be the best they possibly can be. Most Trainees graduate from this rank between the ages of a year and a half to two years. There isn't a limit to how many Trainees the Tribe may have at any time.
Tier III - The Subordinate
Progeny
The young, future members of the Tribe. They'll keep this rank until they're old enough to become Trainees and begin their lessons. Progeny are extremely important, and are therefore always under protection. Though usually watched over by their parents or guardians, it's not uncommon for them to be assigned sitters who keep a close eye on the young ones. Progeny are forbidden from leaving the camp unattended and are never to step out of the tunnel system. If for some unfortunate reason a Progeny is orphaned, they'll always be taken in by a guardian who will become a parent-like figure to them.
Seniors
One of the rarest ranks in the Tribe is the Senior, simply due to the fact that survival within the plague-lands is so brutal. Not many individuals make it to see their retirement. A Senior is a member of the Tribe who is older and is no longer able to preform their rank duties. They've served the Fidelis for many seasons dutifully and have earned the right to live out the remainder of their life in peace. Seniors are cared for by the entire Tribe as a sign of great respect. A Senior isn't required to uphold any jobs, but many do take on certain titles to keep busy. The most common one is that of a Chaperon or Crafter. It's not an uncommon sight to see a Senior crafting and teaching others of their trade, or simply sharing stories to pass lessons down onto the younger generations.
Matron
A Matron is a rank given to those who are heavily pregnant or have recently delivered offspring. Since the Tribe is so protective of their young, it is no surprise the mothers are treated the same. During their time as a Matron, they are not required to keep up with any of their normal rank tasks. All Matrons sleep within in the nursery, staying near the Healing Chambers so the Shaman or Clerics can see to them at any time. While holding this rank they are required, however, to keep dutiful care over their fellow Matrons and any Progeny they may have. The Matrons work together collectively to help rear and care for their young.
Drudge
It's rare to find an individual with this rank within the Fidelis. The Drudge is a rank given to those who have committed some sort of treason. It is the lowest rank and is used as a punishment. If a member of the Tribe steps out of line, they will be demoted and striped of their prior rank. As the rank's name would suggest, they are treated poorly. They are exiled from most activities and will seldom have a proper place to rest. Most Drudge are given harder tasks that require manual labor. It's not uncommon for them to be treated as a prisoner, as some truly are captives, held against their will to prevent endangering the Tribe. These particular individuals are restricted to the Holding Chamber and will be supervised at all times.
Specific Titles
While these are not ranks and mere-titles only, they are still of importance to the Tribe. Having such a title holds meaning; they are acknowledged by all. However, even if one gains such a title, they still maintain their given rank.
Spiritual Underling
The Spiritual Underling title is an important title and comes with great responsibilities. They are essentially the next in line to become the Shaman once the current one passes away. One isn't given this title unless they've had direct contact with the Celestials through a specific dream. The Spiritual Underling is in charge of their normal duties- normally Clerical, but they also must focus on lessons from the Shaman. As they are the future Shaman, it's their duty to learn all they can from their long-term mentor over their life time.
Chaperon
A Chaperon is a title one takes on when they're tasked with watching over Progeny. For some it's merely a temporary rank. Others however, who are particularly skilled in the task, may be chosen to keep it long-term. The Chaperon may be tasked with watching over Trainees as well in certain situations. Though some only view the Chaperon as a sitter, they are an important part of the Tribe. They often help instill good morals within the Progeny and help the young ones grow.
Crafter
Those within the Tribe who have a talent for some form of craftmanship will be given this title. A Crafter will still have normal rank duties, but will also make things within their specific skill set. This can vary from a multitude of things- for example: basket weaving, paint mixing, jewelry making, etc.. While there is no set currency, these goods and services will often be traded among the community. It's usually the individual Crafters who determine the worth and value of their goods/services and what would be of fair trade.
Gardener
A Gardener is someone who's skilled in tending to and growing crops for the Tribe. They will have their normal rank duties on top of gardening. They are the ones who spend most of the time in the Garden Chamber taking care of all the various plants there. It's important to not only help stock herbs for healing, but also to provide food for the various herbivores or omnivores present.